Seoul, South korea – As the Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Dragon, H+ Yangji Hospital is launching a public health campaign aimed at a demographic frequently enough overlooked in heart health discussions: Millennials and Gen Z. Recognizing a concerning rise in cardiovascular issues among younger adults, the hospital is urging those in their 20s and 30s to proactively monitor three key “vascular numbers” – blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol – as a preventative measure against potentially life-threatening conditions. The initiative comes as new data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency indicates a critically importent six in ten adults over 30 are already living with or at risk of hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol.
H+ Yangji Hospital Launches ‘Know Your Vascular Numbers’ Campaign Targeting Millennials and Gen Z
The Year of the Dragon, symbolizing passion and drive, prompts a health warning for young adults.
Those in their 20s and 30s at risk of heart attack are urged to manage their vascular health with key numbers.
Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol – ‘120/80, 100, 200’ – is a crucial first step in preventative care.
As the Year of the Dragon begins, symbolizing energy and momentum, H+ Yangji Hospital is raising awareness about a growing health concern: the increasing risk of cardiovascular disease among young adults. The hospital has launched a public health campaign urging individuals in their 20s and 30s to proactively monitor their “vascular numbers” – key indicators of heart health – to prevent serious complications.
The campaign comes as data reveals a significant portion of the population is already living with, or at risk of developing, conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, six out of ten adults over the age of 30 in the country either have these conditions or are in the pre-stage. This underscores the importance of early detection and preventative measures, particularly as lifestyle factors contribute to rising rates of cardiovascular issues.
H+ Yangji Hospital’s campaign focuses on three critical numbers: blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Experts recommend maintaining a blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg, a fasting blood sugar level under 100 mg/dL, and total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL – a benchmark the hospital is calling “Self Vascular Number.” Knowing these numbers is a vital first step toward maintaining long-term cardiovascular health.
“Recently, we treated a man in his early 30s who experienced a sudden acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest, requiring ECMO and a stent,” said Dr. Kyu-young Choi, a cardiologist at H+ Yangji Hospital. “High cholesterol, smoking, and excessive stress were identified as major contributing factors.” Dr. Choi emphasized that cardiovascular disease is no longer limited to older adults, and that monitoring vascular health from your 20s is crucial.
The often-silent nature of these conditions makes them particularly dangerous, as many people remain unaware of their risk until a serious event occurs. Irregular lifestyles, long working hours, and chronic stress – common among Millennials and Gen Z – can contribute to early vascular damage, leading to hypertension, elevated blood sugar, and increased cholesterol levels.
Because hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol often present no early symptoms, they are easily overlooked, especially in younger individuals. However, consistently elevated levels can lead to cumulative damage to blood vessels, potentially resulting in life-threatening events like heart attack or stroke.
To ensure a healthy year, mirroring the strength and energy of the Dragon, individuals are encouraged to understand their current vascular health through regular monitoring. Lifestyle modifications – including quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight – are essential. Those already diagnosed with chronic conditions should adhere to their treatment plans, and be aware of the warning signs of a cardiovascular event.
“Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death, but it is largely preventable with early detection and consistent management,” Dr. Choi stated. “We encourage everyone, including Millennials and Gen Z, to take control of their health by checking their vascular numbers now.”
